Unstrung Heroes *** (1995, Andie MacDowell, John Turturro, Nathan Watt, Maury Chaykin, Michael Richards) – Classic Movie Review 10,470

Director Diane Keaton’s 1995 drama Unstrung Heroes is an odd but sweet and good-hearted yarn about a 12-year-old lad (Nathan Watt), sent to live happily with his crazily eccentric uncles (Maury Chaykin and Michael Richards) when it is found his mom (Andie MacDowell) is terminally sick, but his parents want him home.

The mix of tragedy and knockabout comedy is awkward and unresolved, but there are enough touching and amusing moments to see it through, and, with Diane Keaton as director, and with this cast, it is naturally very well acted. And its warm, well-meaning nature raises the spirits.

Richard LaGravenese writes the screenplay based on the memoir book by Franz Lidz.

Also in the cast are John Turturro, Anne De Salvo, Celia Weston, Jack McGee, Candy Azzara, Kendra Krull, Giuseppe Andrews, Lillian Adams, Lou Cutell, Sean Donahue and Sumer Stamper.

The 2000 film Hanging Up is Keaton’s only other feature as director.

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 10,470

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